Sex offender 'Little Pebble' to be denied parole

Devoted followers of ‘‘The Little Pebble’’ yesterday refused to comment on news that their leader was expected to remain in jail, saying he had not been notified of the parole authority’s intention to deny his release.

A spokesperson from the Order of St Charbel, operating near Nowra, told the Mercury they had spoken with convicted sex offender William Kamm yesterday and he had not yet been advised of any decision.

Plans to refuse the self-confessed cult leader’s parole came as a shock to followers who, when contacted by the Mercury yesterday afternoon, said they were also not aware of the parole authority’s intentions.

The authority announced yesterday Kamm was set to be refused parole after failing to participate in any treatment programs.

The 62-year-old self-professed ‘‘prophet’’ was jailed for a minimum 3 years in 2005 for having sex with a 15-year-old follower.

In 2007, he was ordered to serve an additional 7-year term for other sex offences.

His non-parole period is due to expire on April 13 but the State Parole Authority has announced plans to refuse Kamm’s freedom as he has so far failed to address his offending behaviour.

The Probation and Parole Service recommended the authority refuse Kamm’s parole in a report revealing Kamm remained an untreated sex offender.

‘‘Given the nature of the inmate’s offences…it is considered beneficial that Mr Kamm undertake the treatment program in custody,’’ the report said.

‘‘Given that Mr Kamm…remains an untreated sex offender, his release to parole is not recommended.”

Kamm can apply to the authority for a review hearing.

Kamm was jailed for 10 years for five counts of sexual intercourse with a minor by a person in authority, four counts of aggravated indecent assault against a minor and one count of aggravated indecent assault.

His total sentence is set to expire in October 2015.

The Order of St Charbel yesterday confirmed it continued to operate from its South Coast headquarters and still had followers.

Kamm has been the leader of the religious community since 1983 and claimed to receive messages from the Virgin Mary.

He has previously said he would bring in a new era by choosing 12 queens and 72 princesses to conceive an ‘‘immaculate race’’.